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The 8 Best Outdoor Furniture Covers of 2024, According to Testing

Oct 14, 2024

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Protect and extend the life of your outdoor furniture.

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

There’s nothing quite like unwinding and relaxing on your patio after a long day. Patio furniture can help create a serene outdoor oasis, but it’s important to take care of your furniture so it can last season after season. The smartest way to care for your outdoor furniture is by preventing damage with an outdoor furniture cover.

“Rain and snow can age and rust your outdoor furniture,” says Amy Hellenga, associate merchant at The Home Depot. “When shopping for outdoor furniture coverage, consider the weather conditions in your area…select patio furniture coverings that block powerful UV rays to keep your furniture looking like new for years.”

“The most important feature I look for when purchasing patio covers is durability,” Hellenga says. She recommends covers made from high-grade polyester to withstand even the harshest conditions. “The UV-protected polyester material resists water, mildew and fading, ensuring that your furniture looks great year-round,” she says.

While testing outdoor furniture covers, we assessed the quality of materials by evaluating the strength of the stitches, seams, cords, clasps, or ties (and if these details were essential for a universal fit). We also noted how each fared on our own porches and in our backyards throughout varying weather conditions without coming free, fading, or shrinking to assess the durability.

For more information on how we tested outdoor furniture covers, check out our testing process below.

This heavy-duty outdoor furniture cover has handles on both sides, which makes it easy to put on your sofa and hang up when not in use.

The cover is not fireproof, so be sure not to use it around fire pits.

Receiving perfect scores in quality, performance, fit, and value, the Vailge Heavy Duty Patio Sofa Cover is the best outdoor furniture cover for sofas. It’s made out of 600D polyester oxford fabric with PVC waterproof coating for extra protection.

Some of our favorite features include the strong seams, tight stitching, and wide padded carrying handles. This outdoor furniture cover also has adjustable buckle straps on all four corners, two elastic ties that can be tightened to keep the cover secure, and air vents to help prevent the growth of mold or mildew on your furniture.

We tested this furniture cover on a covered patio so it wasn’t affected too much by the elements; however, it offered an extra layer of protection for our outdoor sofa, stayed in place even on very windy days, and didn’t fade or shrink. The windproof buckle straps and adjustable cord lock closures can be used to tighten the cover around your sofa and prevent it from blowing away.

This outdoor furniture cover is a great value given its high-quality design and build, waterproof material, and convenient features. We didn't notice any downsides during testing, but the manufacturer does warn not to use it around open flames, like fire pits, since the cover is not fireproof.

Product Details: Size: From 60 x 35 x 35 inches | Material: 600D polyester oxford | Waterproof: Yes | Care: Spray with water and dry in the sun

Polyester: A synthetic fiber material made from plastic and derived from petroleum. Outdoor furniture covers made of polyester are usually more breathable than covers made from PVC.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): A type of synthetic plastic commonly referred to as vinyl. PVC is extremely durable and often waterproof.

Waterproof: This means the fabric is impervious to water, which will completely protect your outdoor furniture from rain.

Water-Resistant: Water does not travel easily through water-resistant fabric, but water still may be able to permeate the fabric.

This cover stayed securely on our loveseat, even when we didn’t use the corner clasps.

There is only one color available.

The Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Loveseat Cover protected our outdoor loveseat from the rain, wind, and sun—which is important to consider when shopping for an outdoor furniture cover.

This loveseat cover has a polyester top panel and breathable side panels that are secured by durable double-stitched seams. This cover fit the loveseat well based on the provided measurements, with enough room to pull off the cover easily but not too much room for it to get caught in the wind.

This patio loveseat cover comes with four clasps at the corners to reinforce it, and we were impressed that it stayed on our loveseat even without using the corner clasps. We didn’t notice any damage or shrinkage of the material despite high winds during our testing period, which is a testament to the durability and strength of this furniture cover.

Overall, we liked the substantial weight, waterproof material, and color of this outdoor furniture cover. However, it’s important to review the care instructions of your loveseat before using it because some finishes can react to PVC-backed covers. In this case, you can use a support pole to elevate the furniture cover so it isn’t directly touching your loveseat.

We also wish there were more color options—it’s only available in a brown hue.

Product Details: Size: From 54 x 35 x 37 inches | Material: 67% woven polyester with laminated PVC backing, 33% non-woven olefin with laminated polyethylene | Waterproof: Yes | Care: Not listed

Even though the cover was exposed to plenty of sunlight, the cover didn’t fade at all from the UV rays.

This chair cover cannot be used with concrete furniture.

After testing, we determined that the Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Chair Cover is the best option for chairs because it’s durable and waterproof. It also has a variety of convenient features like double-stitched seams that are tape sealed to keep out water. The fabric is also reinforced with waterproof coating for added protection against rain and snow.

This waterproof patio chair cover comes with breathable side panels which prevents the need for vents while also adding additional height to the cover even though it’s not designed to fully reach the bottom of your chair legs.

There was some strong wind when we tested out this cover; however, it stayed firmly in place thanks to the click-close buckles with adjustable straps. This cover also has an elastic hem with a cord lock for an even more secure fit during inclement weather.

Finding the right sized cover for your patio furniture can be challenging, but this one fit perfectly over our chair and was easy to slide on, with some room to spare so you could also fit a slightly larger chair underneath it. We didn’t notice any moisture, mold, or mildew underneath the cover during testing. We also didn’t see any fading even though the patio received a lot of sun.

This chair cover is a great value and we recommend it for its durability, waterproof material, and secure fit. Duck Cover also offers a two-year limited warranty for additional peace of mind. However, it’s not designed to fully cover your chair legs and should not be used with concrete furniture. To prevent this cover from potentially reacting to certain furniture finishes and sealants, you can purchase a Duck Dome to elevate the cover.

Product Details: Size: 29 x 30 x 36 inches | Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes | Care: Not listed

These patio chair covers have UV coating to help protect your furniture from sun and rain.

These covers are not fireproof so they should not be used near an open flame.

If you’re looking for a set of the best outdoor furniture covers, consider the Vailge Patio Chair Covers that are sold as a pack of two.

During our real world testing, these furniture covers held up well in the rain, wind, and sun and effectively kept moisture out of our chairs. Even though they were exposed to sunlight, the covers did not fade or shrink.

These patio chair covers have a variety of convenient features including UV coating, waterproof laminated backing, and air vents to reduce condensation. They also have large padded handles that make it easier to remove the covers from your chairs.

Even though these covers are not designed to fully cover the bottom of your furniture, there are elastic cords at the bottom that you can pull if necessary to secure the covers tightly around your chairs. They also come with click-close straps that you can wrap around your chair legs to prevent the covers from coming off in the wind.

The covers protected our patio chairs from the elements and prevented our pets from sitting on the furniture, which was an added bonus. Just keep in mind that they should not be used near an open flame such as a fire pit since they aren’t fireproof.

Product Details: Size: 35 x 31 x 38 inches | Material: 600D oxford polyester | Waterproof: Yes | Care: Use soft hair brush for daily maintenance; do not machine wash or dry clean

This waterproof outdoor furniture cover is large enough to protect your whole dining set—including the table and chairs.

A storage bag isn’t included, so stowing the cover when it’s not in use may be a little cumbersome.

Your sofas and loveseats aren’t the only pieces of furniture that need to be protected—if you frequently host summer dinner parties, your outdoor dining set needs to be guarded from the elements, too.

The Ultcover Rectangular Patio Heavy Duty Table Cover can fit a rectangular- or oval-shaped outdoor dining table and two to six standard sized patio chairs, depending on their size. Its 600D polyester canvas material with water-resistant backing provides durable protection from rain and snow. We tested out this cover on sunny and rainy days, and it held up well during both types of weather.

This outdoor furniture cover features heavy duty, adjustable buckle straps that wrap around each leg to secure the cover to the table. We were impressed that these straps kept the fabric tight despite the wind and rain that occurred during the testing period. This cover also protected our deck and furniture from falling leaves and debris from the nearby trees.

An elastic hem cord allowed us to tighten the cover for a better fit across the bottom as needed. It also has air vents on each side to encourage proper ventilation and double-stitched seams for added reinforcement.

Installing and removing the dining set cover is simple thanks to its sturdy handles located on both ends. Keep in mind that a storage bag isn’t included with this cover, so you’ll have to get creative with how to store it in your shed or garage when it’s not being used.

Product Details: Size: From 66 x 28 x 54 inches | Material: 600D polyester canvas | Waterproof: Yes | Care: Hand wash only

This cover comes with straps you can wrap around your furniture for extra security.

The elastic clip was difficult to use—we had a hard time cinching it to tighten the bottom of the cover around our patio set.

We chose the F&J Outdoors Outdoor Patio Furniture Cover as the best for round dining sets because of its sturdy construction, durability, and fit. We were pleasantly surprised that the cover fit over our table and four chairs with enough room to touch the ground.

This round patio furniture cover comes with straps that you can wrap around your chair legs to keep the cover secure and prevent it from blowing off in the wind. It also has elastic clips that can be used to tighten the cover even more; however, they were difficult to use and didn’t seem to make much of a difference during testing.

This cover kept our patio furniture well protected from the elements for the most part; however, some water did pool on top of the cover after a heavy night of rain instead of running down the sides. Fortunately, the water didn’t soak through the cover or result in any mold or mildew.

Overall, we are really glad this cover fit over our whole outdoor dining set and think the price is reasonable given the size of the cover.

Product Details: Size: From 62 x 27.5 inches | Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes | Care: Not listed

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

This furniture cover had plenty of room to fit our entire outdoor dining set and held up well in inclement weather.

Since this cover is so large, it was a little difficult to fold up when not being used.

If you have a large outdoor dining set, we loved the Duck Covers LTO10984 Table and Chair Cover. It had ample space to fit around our whole dining set and held up well in the rain, wind, and sun. We also didn’t notice any fading or shrinking, which can sometimes be a concern with outdoor furniture covers.

This polyester cover is thick and sturdy with strong stitches and breathable side panels, which makes it a durable option for protecting your outdoor dining set. It also comes with eight click-close nylon straps that you can wrap around your chair legs for added coverage and protection against the elements.

This large outdoor furniture cover effectively kept rain and snow off our furniture and prevented any moisture from seeping in. It also kept out any debris and prevented animals from getting on our furniture while the cover was on. Our only complaint is that it’s cumbersome to fold when not in use, so we wish it came with a storage bag.

Just like the other covers we tested by Duck Covers, this one should not be used with concrete furniture. Duck Covers also recommends using a support pole or Duck Dome depending on the finish of your outdoor furniture to prevent any reaction to the PVC-backed cover.

Product Details: Size: From 96 x 32 x 70 inches | Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes | Care: Not listed

Better Homes & Gardens / Gabrielle Renslow

This cushion storage bag is spacious with enough room to store multiple cushions, covers, and other outdoor furniture accessories like pillows.

This storage bag is water-resistant but not fully waterproof, so it is best suited for indoor use.

Finding an effective storage solution for your patio furniture cushions is just as important as choosing the best outdoor furniture cover. We chose the Classic Accessories Patio Cushion and Cover Storage Bag because of its spacious interior and quality construction.

It’s made out of woven polyester fabric with a water-resistant laminated PVC backing. This heavy-duty storage bag has a thick bottom which provides additional protection for your cushions. You can also use it to store other items like outdoor pillows or furniture covers when they aren’t being used.

We were shocked how big this bag was and how much could fit inside of it. We were able to store all of our cushions, six bag chairs, and two pillows with plenty of room to spare. Despite the large size, this bag was easy to carry and move using the padded handles on the top and sides. The zipper can move in both directions which made it convenient to open and close.

The only downside to this spacious storage bag is that it’s only water-resistant, not waterproof, so it isn’t recommended for outdoor storage—we kept it in a basement during testing.

Product Details: Size: From 45.5 x 20 x 13.75 inches | Material: Polyester | Waterproof: No, water-resistant | Care: Keep bag in a covered space

Better Homes & Gardens / Wendy Hill

We chose the Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Loveseat Cover as the best outdoor furniture cover for loveseats because of its sturdy construction, waterproof material, and mocha cappuccino color. We also loved that this cover stayed firmly in place whether or not we used the provided corner clasps.

To find the best outdoor furniture covers, we tested 15 different options in the real world. We evaluated each furniture cover based on quality, performance, durability, fit, and value.

We first opened up each furniture cover and inspected the quality by examining the thickness of the fabric, construction of the stitching and seams, and strength of any claps, clips, or ties. Next, we placed each cover on our outdoor furniture and secured it in place with any included ties, clips, or cords, and we paid special attention to how well it fit our furniture.

The most important part of our testing period was to record how well each furniture cover protected our outdoor furniture during all types of weather. We evaluated this by taking off each cover at the end of our testing period and recording any flaws such as shrinkage, fading, or moisture.

We also cleaned each outdoor furniture cover according to the manufacturer guidelines to see how easy maintenance was. Lastly, we noted any special features such as padded handles, reinforced seams, and click-close straps.

Better Homes & Gardens / Megan Heckerman

Just like outdoor furniture, covers come in a variety of shapes and sizes so it’s important to measure your outdoor furniture before purchasing a furniture cover.

“Choose covers that fit your furniture snuggly for maximum protection,” Hellenga says. “Measure your pieces and look for covers that can adjust to fit your furniture appropriately.”

Typically, you’ll want a cover that’s a few inches larger than your furniture on each side to ensure the best fit. Some furniture covers feature adjustable buckles and drawstrings to help the cover fit more securely to your furniture.

Each product on our list has the dimensions listed, so you can ensure you're purchasing a cover that will fit your furniture. You can choose individual furniture covers for each piece of furniture, or consider one larger cover, like the Duck Covers LTO10984 Table and Chair Cover, to accommodate multiple pieces of furniture.

We recommend choosing a durable and waterproof outdoor furniture cover so it can protect your furniture against harsh weather conditions and last through multiple seasons.

Polyester and PVC (commonly referred to as vinyl) are two popular materials for outdoor furniture covers. Both materials are lightweight, durable, and moisture-resistant. However, polyester covers tend to be more breathable and quick to dry than PVC covers. PVC covers are usually the less expensive option, but the material is stiffer than polyester.

“Anything made of polyester, acrylic, or olefin are good outdoor choices,” says Deborah Young, owner of The Textile Expert. Most of the products we have featured are made with polyester, olefin, or a polyester blend.

“Opt for covers made from durable materials such as polyester, vinyl, or heavy-duty fabric that can withstand even the toughest rainfall or winter storm,” Hellenga says. She also recommends ensuring outdoor furniture covers are water-resistant and UV-resistant to protect against rain and sun damage. Hellenga says to consider heavy, rip-stop materials to prevent ripping and tearing from high winds and debris.

An option like the Duck Covers Ultimate Waterproof Patio Sofa Cover, which is made of polyester and olefin, is a hardy choice that can withstand a multitude of natural elements.

If you live in a climate where you may experience an abundance of snow or rain, make sure to purchase an outdoor furniture cover with waterproof material to help extend the life of your furniture and help prevent damage.

There are outdoor furniture covers made for specific styles of furniture. For example, you can find a specific cover for a sofa, sectional, outdoor table, or chairs. However, there are also square or rectangular outdoor furniture covers, like the Essort Rectangular Patio Furniture Cover, that are adjustable and can fit a wide variety of furniture.

Since outdoor furniture covers are meant to be more functional than aesthetically pleasing, you won’t find a large variety of different colors. Most outdoor furniture covers are available in reliable neutrals like black, gray, tan, or brown. Regardless of the color, Hellenga recommends keeping a coordinated look with matching covers for your fire pit, umbrella and grill.

Although outdoor furniture covers are made to withstand the elements, an occasional wash could help extend the life of your cover and help protect your furniture. “If necessary, wash gently—not a power wash,” Young says.

The best method of care for most outdoor furniture covers is hand washing in cold water and letting air dry. If your cover has a layer or dirt or dust, simply brush or sweep it away with a broom, and spot clean any tough stains.

For best results, follow the specific care instructions that came with your outdoor furniture and covers. In addition to using a cover, regularly cleaning your outdoor furniture will help extend the life of your furnishings.

We were pleased with the quality of the Article Hofte Lounger Cover, and we appreciated that it didn’t have a cheap plastic feel. We didn’t notice any moisture in the furniture after the rain, and there was no mold or mildew. However, it didn’t fit perfectly over our sectional and it is one of the most expensive covers we tested. For the price, we expected a better fit.

The Ckcluu Patio Furniture Set Cover was large enough to fit a range of furniture. It’s made out of waterproof polyester with an anti-UV layer, and it didn’t fade or shrink during testing. However, the material was thinner than we expected and the cover didn’t come with enough buckles or drawstrings to tightly secure it during extreme weather conditions. We noticed a strong plastic smell upon initially opening this cover from the packaging, but it dissipated quite a bit once it was outside.

Better Homes & Gardens / Megan Heckerman

Even though patio furniture is designed to be outdoors, you should use a furniture cover to protect it from wind, rain, and other elements.

Use a furniture cover during the colder months to protect your furniture from cool temperatures and snow, and use it during rainy months to help prevent any rot.

Additionally, if you’re not actively using your furniture, store it or cover it up so your furniture can have a longer life. “If you are looking for durability and longevity, give [your furniture] a rest,” Young says. “Put it away when not in use—it will simply last longer.”

It isn’t necessary for outdoor furniture covers to fully touch the ground. Most of the options on our list sit a few inches off the ground which is a good thing when it comes to airflow and moisture.

“All furniture covers should sit off the ground to prevent soaking up water,” Hellenga says. Features like adjustable buckle straps and elastic cords help keep covers securely wrapped around your furniture, which is more effective than having a cover that touches the ground.

Outdoor furniture covers range in price based on material, size, and shape. Special features like waterproof coating and UV-resistant backing can also impact the cost. Typically, smaller covers for chairs cost less than larger covers designed to fit an entire outdoor dining set.

The Vailge Patio Chair Covers is one of the most affordable options on our list and comes as a two-pack so you can get more bang for your buck. Although it’s much larger, the F&J Outdoors Outdoor Patio Furniture Cover is the most expensive outdoor furniture cover we tested at almost $100.

Erica Reagle is a freelance writer focused on interior design and the home, and she has been updating this article since March 2023. To write this story, she researched the category and reviewed insights from our real world testing. She also consulted Deborah Young of The Textile Expert and Amy Hellenga, associate merchant at The Home Depot to learn more about outdoor furniture cover materials, sizes, styles, and features.

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

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